Trotec SL400 User manual

TRT-BA-SL400-TC220211TTRT01-002-EN
SL400
EN
OPERATING MANUAL
DIGITAL SOUND LEVEL METER

2 EN
digital sound level meter SL400
Table of contents
Notes regarding the operating manual.................................2
Safety .....................................................................................2
Information about the device................................................4
Transport and storage...........................................................6
Operation ...............................................................................7
Errors and faults....................................................................9
Software.................................................................................9
Maintenance and repair ......................................................10
Disposal ...............................................................................10
Notes regarding the operating manual
Symbols
Warning of electrical voltage
This symbol indicates dangers to the life and health of
persons due to electrical voltage.
Warning
This signal word indicates a hazard with an average
risk level which, if not avoided, can result in serious
injury or death.
Caution
This signal word indicates a hazard with a low risk
level which, if not avoided, can result in minor or
moderate injury.
Note
This signal word indicates important information (e.g.
material damage), but does not indicate hazards.
Info
Information marked with this symbol helps you to carry
out your tasks quickly and safely.
Follow the manual
Information marked with this symbol indicates that the
operating manual must be observed.
You can download the current version of the operating manual
and the EU declaration of conformity via the following link:
SL400
https://hub.trotec.com/?id=43020
Safety
Read this manual carefully before starting or using the
device. Always store the manual in the immediate vicinity
of the device or its site of use.
Warning
Read all safety warnings and all instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future
reference.
• Do not use the device in potentially explosive rooms or
areas and do not install it there.
• Do not use the device in aggressive atmosphere.
• Do not immerse the device in water. Do not allow liquids to
penetrate into the device.
• The device may only be used in dry surroundings and must
not be used in the rain or at a relative humidity exceeding
the operating conditions.
• Protect the device from permanent direct sunlight.
• Do not expose the device to strong vibrations.
• Do not remove any safety signs, stickers or labels from the
device. Keep all safety signs, stickers and labels in legible
condition.
• Do not open the device.
• Only use the device, if sufficient safety precautions were
taken at the surveyed location (e.g. when performing
measurements along public roads, on building sites etc.).
Otherwise do not use the device.
• Observe the storage and operating conditions (see
Technical data).
• Do not expose the device to directly squirting water.
• Check accessories and connection parts for possible
damage prior to every use of the device. Do not use any
defective devices or device parts.

EN 3
digital sound level meter SL400
Intended use
Only use the device for sound level measurements within the
measuring range specified in the technical data.
To use the device for its intended use, only use accessories and
spare parts which have been approved by Trotec.
Foreseeable misuse
Do not use the device in potentially explosive atmospheres, for
measurements in liquids or at live parts.
Any unauthorised changes, modifications or alterations to the
device are forbidden.
Personnel qualifications
People who use this device must:
• have read and understood the operating manual, especially
the Safety chapter.
Personal protective equipment
Wear hearing protection
Wear hearing protection when handling the device.
Residual risks
Warning of electrical voltage
There is a risk of a short-circuit due to liquids
penetrating the housing!
Do not immerse the device and the accessories in
water. Make sure that no water or other liquids can
enter the housing.
Warning of electrical voltage
Work on the electrical components must only be
carried out by an authorised specialist company!
Warning
Risk of hearing damage!
Ensure sufficient ear protection when there are sources
of loud sound. There is a danger of hearing damage.
Warning
Risk of suffocation!
Do not leave the packaging lying around. Children may
use it as a dangerous toy.
Warning
The device is not a toy and does not belong in the
hands of children.
Warning
Dangers can occur at the device when it is used by
untrained people in an unprofessional or improper way!
Observe the personnel qualifications!
Caution
Keep a sufficient distance from heat sources.
Note
To prevent damages to the device, do not expose it to
extreme temperatures, extreme humidity or moisture.
Note
Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents to clean the
device.

4 EN
digital sound level meter SL400
Information about the device
Device description
The digital sound level meter was specifically designed to
perform noise measurements and quality inspections in various
areas and different locations. The measurements can be carried
out e.g. at your workplace, at the office, in factories, schools, at
home or on busy roads. This permits the introduction of
preventative measures and helps to guard against noise-
induced diseases.
• The device meets the requirements of the standard for
digital sound level meters DINEN61672-1.
• display of maximum and minimum values
• indication when exceeding the measuring range
• indication when falling below the measuring range
• dBA and dBC display
• measuring range selection
• data transfer to PCsoftware via USB
Device depiction
1
2
3
6
5
4
No. Designation
1 Measuring probe with protective cap
2 Tripod thread
3 Battery compartment with cover
4 Power button
5 Control panel
6 Display
Control panel
MAX MIN FAST SLOW
REC dBA
FULL dBC HOLD
AUTO
OVERUNDER
DATE TIME
MAX/MIN
REC
SETUP LEVEL
HOLD A/C
F/S
7
8
9
10
4
11
12
13
14
No. Designation
4 Power button
7MAX/MINbutton
8A/C button
9F/S button
10 LEVEL button
11 SETUP button
12 RECbutton
13 HOLDbutton
14 Button for background illumination

EN 5
digital sound level meter SL400
Display
MAX MIN FAST SLOW
REC dBA
FULL dBC HOLD
AUTO
OVERUNDER
DATE TIME
15 16 17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
No. Designation
15 UNDER indication (i.e. fallen below measuring range)
16 MIN indication
17 FAST indication
18 OVER indication (i.e. measuring range exceeded)
19 SLOW indication
20 Indication of the scale's maximum value
21 Display of the measuring scale
22 TIME indication
23 Measurement value display
24 AUTO indication
25 HOLD indication
26 dBA/ dBC indication
27 FULL indication (memory full)
28 REC indication
29 Battery status indication
30 Automatic switch-off indication
31 DATE indication
32 Time/ date display
33 Indication of the scale's minimum value
34 MAX indication
Connections
35
36
37
38
No. Designation
35 Connection for the power adapter (DC 9 V)
36 MiniUSB port
37 3.5mm jack*
38 Setscrew for calibration
* e.g. to connect a frequency analyser or recorder

6 EN
digital sound level meter SL400
Technical data
Parameter Value
Model SL400
Article number 3.510.005.020
Measuring range 30dB to 130dB
Accuracy ±1.4dB (class2 according to
DINEN61672)
Resolution 0.1 dB
Frequency range 31.5 Hz to 8kHz
Dynamic range 50 dB
Partial measuring ranges 30dB to 80dB, 50dB to
100dB, 30dB to 130dB
Display response time 500ms
Power supply 9V battery006P or NEDA1604
or IEC6F22
Alarm function OVER: Fallen below measuring
range UNDER: Fallen below
measuring range
Time weighting FAST: 125ms
SLOW: 1s
Microphone 1/2-inch electret condenser
microphone
Operating conditions 0°C to 40°C with 10% to
90%RH
Storage conditions -10 °C to +60 °C with 10% to
75 %RH
Weight 305 g
Dimensions (lengthx widthx
height)
255 x 63 x 45 mm
Automatic switch-off Switch-off after approx. 15min
of non-use
Scope of delivery
• 1x Digital sound level meter
• 1 x Wind shield for microphone
• 1 x Mini tripod
• 1 x CD with software
• 1 x USB cable
• 1 x Mini screwdriver
• 1x 9V battery
• 1 x Power adapter
• 1 x Quick guide
Transport and storage
Note
If you store or transport the device improperly, the
device may be damaged.
Note the information regarding transport and storage of
the device.
Transport
For transporting the device, use the bag included in the scope of
delivery in order to protect the device from external influences.
Storage
When the device is not being used, observe the following
storage conditions:
• dry and protected from frost and heat
• protected from dust and direct sunlight
• with a cover to protect it from invasive dust if necessary
• the storage temperature complies with the values specified
in the Technical data
• Remove the batteries from the device.

EN 7
digital sound level meter SL400
Operation
Inserting the battery
Insert the supplied battery before first use.
Note
Make sure that the surface of the device is dry and the
device is switched off.
1. Open the battery compartment at the rear of the device by
loosening the screw at the cover.
2. Use the battery clip to connect the 9V battery with correct
polarity.
3. Place the battery with the battery clip into the battery
compartment.
4. Reattach the coverto the battery compartment.
5. Retighten the screw at the battery compartment.
Switching the device and performing measurements
Info
Please note that moving from a cold area to a warm
area can lead to condensation forming on the device's
circuit board. This physical and unavoidable effect can
falsify the measurement. In this case, the display
shows either no measured values or they are incorrect.
Wait a few minutes until the device has become
adjusted to the changed conditions before carrying out
a measurement.
Info
Please note that the measurement of a sound source
always has to be carried out directly. There must be no
objects or persons located in between the microphone
and the sound source, unless their influence on the
sound intensity is to be measured on purpose as well.
1. Press the Power button(4) for approx. 2s.
ðThe display(6) is switched on and the device is ready
for operation.
ðThe current measured value is displayed in the
measurement value display(23).
2. Point the device at the sound source to be measured.
ðWait for a moment to achieve a stable measured value.
Setting the measuring range
The device has different measuring ranges which can be
selected as needed or according to the expected sound level. If
the expected sound level range is a known factor, one should
always select the corresponding measuring range whenever
possible, since this permits an optimum resolution of the
scale(21) at all times.
• Lower measuring range: 30 to 80dB
• Medium measuring range: 50 to 100dB
• Upper measuring range: 80 to 130dB
• Auto: 30 to 130dB
Please proceed as follows to set the measuring range:
1. Repeatedly press the LEVEL button(10) until the desired
measuring range is displayed on both ends of the scale
(20 and33).
ðThe scale will be adjusted automatically.
ðThe UNDER(15) or OVER(18) indication will be
displayed, if applicable. If so, you should adjust the
measuring range further.
Measured curve setting (dBA/ dBC)
You can choose whether your measured values are to be
displayed according to dB(A) or dB(C).
Please proceed as follows to set the measured curve:
1. Repeatedly press the A/C button(8) until either dB(A) or
dB(C) is displayed in pos.26.
ðThe measured value will be adjusted automatically.
Setting the MIN/ MAXfunction
By use of the MAX/MIN function you can retain either the
highest or the lowest value of the current measurement. Please
proceed as follows to set the MAX/MINfunction:
1. Press the MAX/ MINbutton(7).
ðThe MAX indication(34) appears on the display.
ðThe measured value display(23) will be frozen and
changes only if a new higher value is measured.
2. Press the MAX/ MINbutton(7) again.
ðThe MIN indication(16) appears on the display.
ðThe measured value display(23) will be frozen and
changes only if a new lower value is measured.
3. Press the MAX/MIN button(7) again to quit using the MAX/
MINfunction.

8 EN
digital sound level meter SL400
Setting the HOLD function
By use of the HOLDfunction you can retain the currently
measured value.
Please proceed as follows to set the HOLDfunction:
1. Press the HOLD button(13).
ðThe HOLD indication(25) appears on the display.
ðThe measured value display(23) will be frozen.
2. Press the HOLD button(13) again.
ðThe currently measured value is indicated.
ðThe HOLD indication (25) disappears.
Setting the time weighting
You can choose between a(FAST) and(SLOW) time weighting.
• FAST: 125ms (real-time signal evaluation)
• SLOW: 1s (average signal evaluation)
Please proceed as follows to set the time weighting:
1. Press the F/S button(9) until the desired type of time
weighting (FAST17 or SLOW19) is indicated on the
display.
Switching the background illumination on or off
The device comes with an optionally selectable background
illumination.
Please proceed as follows to switch the background illumination
on or off:
1. Press the button for background illumination(14) to switch
the background illumination on or off.
Setting the automatic switch-off
The device comes equipped with an automatic switch-off
function and switches off automatically if no button was pressed
for approx.15min.
Please proceed as follows to activate or deactivate the
automatic switch-off function:
1. Press the SETUP button(11).
ðThe indication for automatic switch-off(30) appears on
the display.
ðThe automatic switch-off function is activated.
2. Press the SETUP button(11) again to deactivate the
automatic switch-off function.
Setting the time and date
You can adjust the time and date for the device.
You can save the settings at any time and exit the menu by
means of the HOLD button(13).
To do so, please proceed as follows:
üThe device is switched off.
1. Press and hold the SETUP button(11).
2. Switch the device on.
ðThe TIME indication(22) briefly appears on the display.
3. Release the SETUP button(11).
ðThe DATE indication(31) appears on the display. Also
indicated is the current date in the year-month format
as well as the day in the measured value display.
4. Press the SETUP button(11) again.
ðThe TIME indication(22) and the set minutes are
displayed.
5. Press the LEVEL button(10) to adjust the minutes.
6. Press the SETUP button(11) again.
ðThe TIME indication(22) and the set hours are
displayed. h-P stands for P.M. and h-A for A.M.
7. Press the LEVEL button(10) to adjust the hours.
8. Press the SETUP button(11) again.
ðThe DATE indication(31) and the set day are displayed.
9. Press the LEVEL button(10) to change the day.
10. Press the SETUP button(11) again.
ðThe DATE indication(31) and the set month are
displayed.
11. Press the LEVEL button(10) to change the month.
12. Press the SETUP button(11) again.
ðThe DATE indication(31) and the set year are displayed.
13. Press the LEVEL button(10) to change the year.
14. Press the HOLDbutton(13) to save the new time and date
settings. If you do not want to save the settings made for
time and date, press the SETUP button(11) again whilst in
the display for setting the year.
ðThe indication rSt appears on the display.
15. To reset the settings for time and date to the factory
default, press the HOLD button(13).
16. In order to return to the menu for setting time and date,
press the SETUP button(11) when rSt is displayed.
ðThe next setting corresponds to the menu for adjusting
the current date as described in step3.

EN 9
digital sound level meter SL400
Recording measurement series on the device
(REC/ Logging)
1. Press the REC button(12) to activate the device's
recording function.
ðThe REC indication(28) appears on the display.
2. Press the REC button(12) again to stop recording
measured values.
ðThe measurement will be stored on the device memory
with time and date.
Adjusting the saving interval of the device
üThe device is switched off.
1. Press and hold the button for background illumination(14).
2. Switch the device on.
ð0001 Int appears on the display.
3. Press LEVELbutton(10) to adjust the saving interval
between0001 and0059seconds.
4. Press the HOLDbutton(13) to save the setting.
ðThe new saving interval is saved until the device is
switched off.
Deleting data memory
üThe device is switched off.
1. Press and hold the REC button(12).
2. Switch the device on.
ðThe indication CLR appears on the display.
ðAll data records on the device memory will be deleted.
Setting the data transmission via USB
In order to transfer data for further analysis to a PC via USB,
please proceed as follows:
1. Install the supplied software on your PC, seechapter
Software.
2. Start the software.
3. Connect the device to the PC using the supplied USBcable.
4. Press the SETUP button(11) to activate both the real-time
display of the device in the software interface and the data
transfer mode.
ðThe automatic switch-off function will be deactivated for
the duration of data transmission.
5. For the data transmission from the device to the PC please
follow the instructions in the software help file.
6. Press the SETUP button(11) again to terminate the
connection between device and PC.
Assembling the tripod
The device is equipped with a 1/4inch tripod thread. If required,
you can mount the device onto a tripod.
Switching the device off
If the automatic switch-off function is enabled, the device
switches off automatically after approx. 15min without
keystroke.
1. Press the Power button(4) until the device is switched off.
ðIndicated on the display is a countdown from 3 to 1.
Errors and faults
The device has been checked for proper functioning several
times during production. If malfunctions occur nonetheless,
check the device according to the following list.
The device does not switch on:
• Check the charging status of the battery. Change the
battery, if required.
• Make sure that the battery is properly positioned. Check
the polarity is correct.
• Never carry out an electrical check yourself; instead,
contact your Trotec customer service.
Software
The supplied free software is designed for useful basic
functionalities. Trotec assumes no liability with regard to this
free software and also provides no support on that score. Trotec
accepts no liability concerning the use of this free software and
is under no obligation to make adjustments or to further develop
updates or upgrades.
Installation requirements
Ensure that the following minimum requirements for installing
the PC software are fulfilled:
• Supported operating systems (32 or 64bit version):
– Windows 10
– Windows 8
– Windows 7
– Windows Vista
• Hardware requirements:
– processor speed: min. 90 MHz
– 32 MB RAM, minimum
– 7 MB hard disk space, minimum
– a minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 with a
16bit colour depth
Installing the PC software
1. Place the supplied software CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Open the CD-ROM contents in an Explorer window and
double-click the setup.exe file.
3. Follow the instructions of the installation wizard.
Starting the PC software
1. Connect the measuring device to your PC via the mini USB
cable provided in the scope of delivery.
2. Switch on the measuring device if necessary.
3. Start the software.
Information about using the PCsoftware is provided in the
software help file.

10 EN
digital sound level meter SL400
Maintenance and repair
Battery change
A battery change is required when the battery status
indication(29) flashes or the device can no longer be switched
on (see chapter Inserting the battery).
Calibration
The device is already factory-calibrated and optimally adjusted.
A recalibration requires special tools. In the case of a
recalibration please contact the Trotec service.
Cleaning
Clean the device with a soft, damp and lint-free cloth. Make
sure that no moisture enters the housing. Do not use any
sprays, solvents, alcohol-based cleaning agents or abrasive
cleaners, but only clean water to moisten the cloth.
Repair
Do not modify the device or install any spare parts. For repairs
or device testing, contact the manufacturer.
Disposal
The icon with the crossed-out waste bin on waste
electrical or electronic equipment stipulates that this equipment
must not be disposed of with the household waste at the end of
its life. You will find collection points for free return of waste
electrical and electronic equipment in your vicinity. The
addresses can be obtained from your municipality or local
administration. You can also find out about other return options
that apply for many EU countries on the website
https://hub.trotec.com/?id=45090. Otherwise, please contact an
official recycling centre for electronic and electrical equipment
authorised for your country.
The separate collection of waste electrical and electronic
equipment aims to enable the re-use, recycling and other forms
of recovery of waste equipment as well as to prevent negative
effects for the environment and human health caused by the
disposal of hazardous substances potentially contained in the
equipment.
In the European Union, batteries and accumulators must
not be treated as domestic waste, but must be disposed of
professionally in accordance with Directive 2006/66/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 6September2006
on batteries and accumulators. Please dispose of batteries and
accumulators according to the relevant legal requirements.

Trotec GmbH
Grebbener Str. 7
D-52525 Heinsberg
[phone]
[phone]
[email protected]
www.trotec.com